Establish a daily reading routine for 15-20 minutes. Also read whenever your preschooler is interested in books and words. Make sure that when you are reading, the TV is off and there are no other distractions.

Spend time looking at the pages of a picture book together and ask your child questions to help him/her get ready to read.

For free parent instruction of high quality school readiness and child development see HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) or call Family Resources Center of Raleigh (919) 755-6959.

Talk!

Engage your child in thoughtful and interactive conversation on a regular basis to increase their chance for school success. 80% of a child’s brain development takes place by age three and a great deal of it is stimulated by an interaction with language. Download the App Vroom which will teach you how to turn shared moments into brain building moments.

Point out print everywhere! Talk about written words you see everywhere around you.

Interact with your child through talk whenever possible and encourage them to ask and answer questions often.

Recite rhymes and sing songs. Pause to let you child finish the rhyme or song.

See the Literacy Council of Wake County for the Family Literacy Program-Project Lift. This program helps adults whose first language is not English, read and navigate the school system. It also helps teach and support parents while working with children under 5 on basic literacy skills.